Malibu and Coastal California Real Estate and News

More Vacation Homes Buyers are Paying Cash in Malibu, CA and other areas

kunisaki — Wed, 02 May 2012 22:24:51 +0000

Smart Money touts in today’s article that more vacation home buyers are paying cash rather than obtaining a loan. In summary, the loan process is stricter for the second home purchase as “banks demand higher down payments and place strict limits on how much debt thse buyers can incur.” The lenders require “borrower’s home payments and other debt typically can’t surpass 36% of their pre-tax income if they want to get approved for one mortgage. Try to buy a second home with a loan, though and borrowers will need to make both home payments and other debts fit in this 36% range as well.” Also the lenders want a ” vacation home to be at least 50 miles away from the primary residence and near a resort area — like beaches, lakes or ski towns–otherwise they suspect that the individual is actually trying to buy an investment property to rent out.”

Given these requirements – it is a lot easier to purchase the second homes with cash. “With cash buyers, there’s more certainty for the seller; the sales transaction tends to happen faster and isn’t dependent on a bank coming through with a mortgage.”

If you are interested in leasing, purchasing a property or selling a property in Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Calabasas or the surrounding Beverly Hills/southern California area then please contact Judy Kunisaki for professional real estate advice in the Westside Los Angeles area, on 310-317-8396 her online contact form on her website.

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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

Moving, Are You A Hoarder? Suggestions for Moving to/from Malibu, CA or Calabasas, CA

kunisaki — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 22:04:11 +0000

When it comes to moving and facing all of your belongings you might end up asking yourself, am I a hoarder? While this is most likely an exaggeration, it is amazing what we accumulate and what we become attached to and there is no better time than moving to purge ourselves of the excess items that are rarely used. So, the big question is, where do you start?

Pick a room and start there, it really doesn’t matter which one. For argument’s sake let’s begin in the kitchen. Having boxes set up to pack to keep and move with you is a great start. Everything you want to keep place in a box, everything you can get rid of, don’t use, or don’t like can be stacked on the counter and then boxed for a garage sale, the Salvation Army, or other new home. Is something broken? Throw it away. Taking something off the top shelf that hasn’t been used since you moved in? Get rid of it! The rule is, if you don’t use it you don’t need it.

Moving represents the perfect opportunity for a fresh, organized start. The more organized your packing the more organized your unpacking will be. Even the messiest of us can admit that we feel better when everything in our homes is clean and organized. Make an effort to shed the useless items that you have collected. It is extremely doubtful that you will ever regret doing so.

Click here to read “Letting Go During a Move” from Realty Times.

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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

Malibu California real estate market surges ahead in 2012 activity

kunisaki — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:15:09 +0000

The Malibu Times published a good update on the market pulse today April 11, 2012. It notes the real estate market has surged this year that has not been seen from the past few years. The article reports “Eighteen homes reported sold in the 90265 ZIP code in just the first 20 days of spring. It was not that long ago those six homes sold in a month, but the new reality-at least for the moment-is six homes per week. And it was not just lower-priced homes that characterized the final half of 2011: Half the transactions topped $3 million. Incredibly, seven homes were on the beach or bluff, a complete turnaround from the early-year trends.”

As of today – the current snapshot shows that on the beach front single family homes – there are 67 available homes for sale and 14 homes are currently in escrow. Prices range from $1,500,000 to $54,000,000 on the available homes. On the land side single family homes – there are 177 available homes for sale and 37 homes that are currently in escrow. Prices range from $585,000 to $22,500,000 on the available homes.

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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

Malibu California Beach is the place to see Sea Life Bloom

kunisaki — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:07:52 +0000

I was pleased to see the wonderful article by Malibu Surfside News about “the Tides of March — Nature Exposes Her Shoreline Secrets” – page 11. It is facinating how much one can see during the low tides where one can explore nature along the beaches at Point Dume, Paradise Cove, Broad Beach, El Matador to Nicholas Beach. Where else can one enjoy the colors in full bloom — all along the 27 mile coastline beaches.

The key is to pay attention to the tide table and give yourself 20-30 minutes to take advantage of the low tide — at all times, keep safe so if the water appears to be rising then hurry back to safety.

Now is the best time to invest in a Malibu California home — prices and available mortgage rate have not been this low for years.

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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

Crown Moulding Can Change A Room

kunisaki — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:02:01 +0000

Crown molding can really change a room and can offer a great update to any home. We are entering the spring selling season, and hopefully a big buying season, and many of us are looking around our homes wondering what we can do to set them apart from others in the area. Of course the catch to improving our homes is that not many of us want to spend much money at the moment.

There are a number of inexpensive changes that we can make to our homes, and crown molding is a great option. There are many styles of crown molding, some more ornate, some narrow, some wide, and every combination in between. Choosing which molding suits your home depends on what look you are going for. Crown molding can add a modern touch, a classic touch, or really dress up a room. There is even molding that is lit, adding to the overall ambiance of a home.

While typically crown molding is consistent throughout a home, certain rooms can have their own distinct style. Often kitchens, formal dining rooms, and recreation rooms offer different design styles and molding can add to this style. There are so many magazines, books, and websites to examine to help you uncover how you would like your home to appear. Crown molding is a great way to improve your home in a cost-effective manner.

Click here to read “10 Stunning Crown Moulding Ideas” from House Logic.

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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

Relocating, Might Be Easier Than You Think

kunisaki — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 23:40:58 +0000

Relocating might be easier than you think. The Internet, smart phones, and a wide variety of apps alone make finding your way in a new city easier than ever. Whether you are looking for a new favorite restaurant to go to, a move theater near your new home, or entertainment for a Friday night, there is an app for that.

A few apps for getting around, locating a restaurant, and finding entertainment include:

AllSubway is one app that can make getting around easy if you are moving to a city with a metro or subway system.
Cabulous is an app that can help you call a cab directly.
Cocktail Compass works for many cities, filling you in on the best drink deals in town.
Fandango will let you know what movies are playing where.
UrbanSpoon can help you locate a restaurant and reviews.

Moving to a new city has never been easier, with countless information available at your fingertips. Of course a REALTOR can be an incredibly valuable asset when moving to a new city. A REALTOR not only has access to homes listed for sale but a slew on connections and community information as well.

Relocating is more, however, than adjusting to a new city. Relocating also means organizing, packing up your belongings, and leaving a home, often a daunting task. Click hereto read “Moving Made Simple: Tips to Help You Relocate”, for some helpful tools on how to make the entire process easier and smoother.

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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

Investing in Real Estate, Good Idea?

kunisaki — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 22:47:20 +0000

Is it a good idea to be investing in real estate these days? The word on the street is that it might be better than investing in the stock market. Investment guru Warren Buffet appeared in a CNBC article a few weeks ago titled “Warren Buffett on CNBC: I’d Buy Up ‘A Couple Hundred Thousand’ Single-Family Homes If I Could”. In the article he is quoted as saying that “he’d buy up “a couple hundred thousand” single family homes if it were practical to do so.” He also noted that those investing in real estate should finance properties with 30 year mortgages.

Buffet isn’t the only one seeing a bottom in the market. Positive news is making headlines and good news means a turn around is imminent. Some markets around the nation are showing positive improvements, which could lead some to believe that today’s low rates and low home values combine to create the ideal time to invest.

The beauty about investing in real estate is the financial perks associated with renting your properties out. Collecting rent, combined with the variety of write-offs associated with real estate, allows for a real estate investment to pay for itself over time while also appreciating in value. There are not many investments out there that can do this. So, is this a good time to invest in real estate? It certainly could be.

Click here to read “Warren Buffett on CNBC: I’d Buy Up ‘A Couple Hundred Thousand’ Single-Family Homes If I Could” from CNBC.

There are great buys in Malibu, CA as well as in Calabasas, CA or in Pacific Palisades, CA. Ask me what you are looking for — and I’ll tell you what is available.

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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

Storage, If You’ve Got It Flaunt It! It works in Malibu CA and Calabasas CA – Declutter is best!

kunisaki — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 22:00:12 +0000

Storage, if you’ve got it flaunt it because home buyers are looking for a well organized home aided by plenty of closet and cabinet space. Storage is highly prized in Malibu CA and Calabasas CA . Closets can be found in bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, and the front hall, providing storage for different sets of items, from clothing and shoes to cleaning supplies and sport equipment. The better arranged each closet is for showings, the more attractive your home will appear to a potential buyer. Ultimately – declutter is best for all scenario. Set your goal – it will freshen your home and your outlook!

If you have heard it once you have heard it a thousand times, cleaning and de-cluttering is a key element to preparing a home for sale. While shoving everything in a closet or cabinet is certainly one way to feel like your home looks clean this method will backfire when a potential buyer opens the closet or cabinet door. It is just as important for these spaces to be de-cluttered.

We’ve all seen the cartoon when someone opens a closet door and everything but the kitchen sink tumbles out. Closets are storage, they manage clutter, and they keep a house clean, so if you have plenty of closet space make sure that potential home buyers can see how useful and organized your closets are. This is a great opportunity to get rid of items you have not used in years!

Click here to read “The Selling Power of Closets” from Realty Times.

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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

Sourced from: Kinetic Content Library

Staging The Outside of Your Lovely Malibu CA Home

kunisaki — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:46:15 +0000

Staging the outside of your lovely Malibu CA home can be as important to a sale as staging the inside. Outdoor living spaces are obviously very attractive to today’s home buyer, no matter where in the country your home is located. The outside of your home should be neat, tidy, and uncluttered, just like the inside.

Here are some simple ideas for staging the outside of your Malibu CA home:

Outdoor furniture. For a relatively small investment you can showcase your deck, patio, or front porch as a comfortable spot to spend time and/or entertain. If your deck is worn, an outdoor carpet can spruce it up as well.

Flowers. Whether you have a yard for flower beds, room on the porch for a bucket of flowers, or a place to hang flower baskets, flowers add beauty and appeal to any home, drawing the eyes away from less appealing spots.

Exterior. Clean your windows, siding, decks, walkways, etc. You will never get a second chance to make a first impression and the cleaner and fresher your home appears the more attractive it will be.

People love to spend time outside. You do not have to invest in an elaborate outdoor kitchen or fireplace, but if you can show that there is comfortable and inviting outdoor spaces, you will add to the overall image of space that your home provides.

Click here to read “Make Your Home Appealing to Buyers” from Realty Times.

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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

Sourced from: Internal Kinetic Real Estate Library

Warren Buffett states Single Family Homes is a good investment now on CNBC – February 27, 2012

kunisaki — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:55:59 +0000

This is a short blog — Warren Buffett on live CNBC today – February 27, 2012 – stated “ along with equities, single family homes are a very attractive investment right now.” Moreover he states “if held for a long period of time and purchased at low rates, Buffett says houses are even better than stocks. He advises buyers to take out a 30-year mortgage and refinance if rates go down.”

Sometimes good advice is best when it comes to the point. My clients receive the best of my experience, resource and time. I do my best to make my clients dream a reality. I have notice the market has picked up considerably – it depends on the price range. Multiple offers are being done on properties priced well. My clients are surprised when they find out that they have active competition on the same property. One has to be pre-approved now and have the papers ready to go and have their proof of funds ready in order to submit with the offer. A good agent who knows the market and acts on the clients behalf

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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582